Ever felt like self-care is just one more thing on your ever-growing to-do list? We all know the drill: practicing self-care is important to long-term health and happiness. Self-care helps ensure you can care for the ones you love. Self-care makes you a better mom, friend, and employee.
But…on a limited budget, and with a crazy hectic schedule, self-care falls by the wayside! Spas and massages seem like a dream completely out of reach! Luckily, experts agree that you don’t need to spend the big bucks – or big buckets of time – to reap the benefits of self-care.
These 12 ideas will help you get started with ways you can nourish yourself, without spending too much money or time.
Hydrate – The Luxurious Way
Hydration is an important form of self-care, and with health benefits too! But it can be a bit… boring, and hard to remember. Start your morning by preparing a refreshing water-based drink. Add some lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, ice cubes, or other fruit, to make hydrating more appealing, and more importantly, to make yourself feel cared for and pampered. Sip throughout the day to get that cared-for feeling all day!
Hair Care, Your Way!
Been skipping trips to the salon because they just take too long or cost too much? (or both!) Don’t worry – I get that! The last time I went to a salon to get my hair colored, it cost over $100 and took 2 and a half hours. I don’t know which part was worse! Switch over to home hair coloring, and make yourself an appointment – in your bathroom.
You can get great hair coloring kits for a couple of bucks. Pour yourself a nice drink, turn on the music, and enjoy that cared-for feeling in the comfort of your own home. Bonus if you invite friends over and make it a girl’s night out! Enjoy your gorgeous hair and the knowledge that you invested in yourself, all month long!
Luxuriate in the Small Things
Buying a gorgeous, expensive handbag or pair of boots is one way to treat yourself… but those are big purchases that can add up fast! Instead, find small ways to buy expensive things. What does that mean? Buy a slightly more expensive hand soap, for example.
You’ll be spending a couple of bucks more but will get the same luxury feeling (and the indulgence of a wonderful scent) as you would if you spent your money on the big-ticket items.
Buy Flowers
Buy beautiful fresh flowers in vibrant colors that speak to your soul. They don’t need to be expensive long-stem roses! Just any flower that appeals to you. Keep them fresh all week, and you’ll have a recurring reminder of the beauty of nature, and most importantly, that you are special and worthy of love!
Do a Short Work-Out
Of course, an intense cardio or weight-lifting workout is ideal, but you can’t always fit that into your schedule. The good news is, that you don’t need an expensive gym membership or a lot of time to reap the benefits of those endorphins.
Start your day with a short 5-minute core workout, or a 5-minute quick dance jam, and say sayonara to winter blues, and hello to energized positivity! Just 5 minutes can set the tone for the rest of the day, and remind you to take care of yourself!
Tea Break
Self-care can be as short and simple as enjoying a fragrant and relaxing cup of tea mid-day. Enjoy a caffeinated tea, such as green or black tea, for an energizing boost. I like Yogi’s Positive Energy or Bright Day teas. Extra points if you practice mindfulness while you drink.
That means breathing in those warm tendrils of scent and letting the cozy drink fill your whole body with positivity and well-being. No, looking at your phone during your break time is allowed! Pair with a healthy snack for powerful self-care that packs a punch in just 10 minutes!
Take a Short Walk
It goes without saying, but some fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mood! A walk is a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise. Get those endorphins flowing for free! Extra points if you bring along a friend so you can walk and chat, or listen to some positive podcasts or uplifting music. Sometimes, a simple walk around the block can be all the self-care you need.
Pedicure
People often think of expensive massages as a great form of self-care. I love a great pedicure if I can squeeze in a little bit more time. It doesn’t need to be the all-out luxury option! The reason a pedicure is great self-care is that you can reap the benefits for weeks afterward!
When you are having a stressful day, that peppy little peep of color on your toes can be all the reminder that you need that there was a time when you were able to treat yourself – and that that time will come again! Even if you had the type of day where self-care was simply not possible, sometimes just the reminder of previous self-care will help you feel cared for!
Meditate
The health benefits of meditation and mindfulness are boundless. Breathing deeply can rejuvenate your entire body – and oxygen is free! Take some time to just focus on your breathing, relaxing your muscles, and just being. Those few minutes (or even seconds) are possibly the best type of self-care, allowing you to access your strength and uplift your spirit so you can soldier on with your day!
Bake Something for Yourself
We tend to only want to bake something for someone else. I know I often only make everyone else’s favorites and the recipes that I love start gathering dust bunnies. Pull out one of your favorite recipes and make something for yourself that you love… just because!
You deserve someone making you something you love, and that someone can be you! Package your treats in serving side portions and freeze, so you can reap the benefits of your act of self-care over and over again!
Make a Fruit or Veggie Platter
We know we should eat fruits and vegetables, and healthy eating is a crucial part of self-care. But it can be hard to reach for the fruit when cheap pre-packaged snacks are all around. Well, spend a few minutes making yourself a fruit or vegetable platter.
Leave it out on your counter, and enjoy the beautiful presentation, vibrant colors, and delicious flavors all day long. Great presentation isn’t just for the company anymore – you can care for yourself too!
Take A Nice, Warm Bath
Nothing relaxes you more at the end of a long day than a nice, warm bath. While it may take a bit of a time investment, it’s worth it in the long run, and certainly won’t stretch the budget! Grab some wine and those bath bombs someone gifted you last year, and let all your worries drift away.
You can use the time to watch a show you’ve been wanting to see, or better yet, just let your mind wander!
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